Assessing PC power-supply issues can save money in repairs.
Of all components comprising a PC (personal computer), the power supply is the most common to fail and need replacing. Although the power supply is not terribly difficult to replace at home, a PC owner who has never opened up the case of his computer may have reservations about replacing such a vital part himself. Assessing whether the power supply is the problem and further determining the specific issue is possible without opening up the computer case. Understanding that the issue he is having with his PC is power supply-related can save the PC owner the money he'd spend at a repair shop.
Does the PC Turn On?
The power supply does just what its name denotes: provides power to the computer. If the computer is plugged in but will not turn on, there is a good chance the power supply is at fault. Before deciding, however, that the power supply is definitely the problem, it is helpful to check that the outlet the computer is plugged into has power going to it; for example, is there a light switch that will cut power to that outlet? Also, if the PC is plugged into a power strip or surge protector, make sure that piece is also turned on.
Burning Smell and PC Shutting Off
Often, when a power supply begins to go bad, some of the other components will shut down or stall, such as a cooling fan. If a cooling fan shuts down, the inside of the computer will grow too hot and the computer will start to frequently shut down as a means of protecting itself. This is sometimes accompanied by a burning smell. The computer may simply reboot or restart, as opposed to a complete shutdown. This will happen frequently, and with no warning, which becomes very frustrating for the PC owner who is working on her computer at the time. She will lose information that is not saved or protected by an auto-recovery mechanism.
Consider the Age and Environment of the Computer
If the computer is several years old and the power supply has never been replaced, age-related wear and tear could ultimately be the culprit, especially if the computer is left on for extended periods of time. This type of use keeps the PC heated constantly, which will eventually burn out the parts. Consider the circumstances the computer operates under and if the computer is left running for long periods of time (days on end, for instance); try giving it a break by turning it off at night or when not in use. If the problems persist, the power supply likely needs replacing.
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